Pittsburgh provided the stage for the biggest event of the NFL offseason, as the NFL Draft arrived in Steel City for only the second time, and the first since 1947. No sooner had the dust settled on the final round of selections than punters were using the best free bets and sign up offers to support the new men in the NFL.
When it comes to wagering on the players set to make their NFL debut in 2026, the most obvious port of call is the ‘Rookie of the Year’ markets. As ever, the line-makers were quick to update the markets, with odds available for both the ‘Offensive Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Defensive Rookie of the Year’. Here, we take a look at the offensive young guns predicted to light up the league.
Jeremiyah Love – Arizona Cardinals
Widely recognised as the outstanding running back in the 2026 draft, Love was taken with the third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. 6ft and 214lb, Love boasts a hugely effective combination of speed, vision, and power. Posting a standout 4.36s time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, Love also possesses elite ball security – in 490 career touches at Notre Dame, he fumbled only once. A true three-down back, the Doak Walker Award winner is a potent threat as a receiver when lining up in the slot.
Fernando Mendoza – Las Vegas Raiders
To no one’s surprise, the former Indiana Hoosier, Fernando Mendoza, was taken by Las Vegas with the number one pick. Seeking a franchise quarterback, the Raiders selected the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner. Boasting a Big Ben-like 6’5, 235lb frame, the tough and talented Mendoza is the prototypical pocket passer. Excelling in difficult back-shoulder and sideline throws, he was all but unstoppable in the red zone; over the course of his final two college seasons, Mendoza threw 39 touchdown passes to zero interceptions in the red zone. A hugely exciting prospect, but whether he starts immediately remains to be seen.
Carnell Tate – Tennessee Titans
One of the more surprising early selections saw Tennessee take Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. Eager to surround 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward with talent, the Titans grabbed the chance to add the Ohio State man to the roster. 6’3 and lean with a 78-inch wingspan and glue-like hands, Tate boasts intelligence and effective, rather than blistering, speed. Brilliant in duels, he won 85.7% of his contested balls in 2025 and made zero drops from 66 targets.
Jordyn Tyson – New Orleans Saints
New Orleans also used their first selection to add to their receiving corps, with the Saints taking Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick. A dynamic route-runner with an uncanny ability to create separation, the ex-Arizona State man brings considerable upside. Tyson’s Basketball background is evident when contesting balls in the air, while his ability to track deep throws is elite. Having significantly improved his handling in 2026, he could be a hit in The Big Easy.
Jadarian Price – Seattle Seahawks
With Kenneth Walker III heading to Kansas City in free agency, the Super Bowl champions snapped up running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round. Together with Jeremiyah Love, Price formed part of a devastating backfield at Notre Dame. Elusive, tough to bring down, he has a nose for clear space – 20% of Price’s runs went for 15+ yards in 2025. Also lethal as a kick returner, he boasts the ability to crack a game open with a huge play.
